Some years ago, in another lifetime in another city, I successfully auditioned for a “Murder Mystery” troupe.  Other acting opportunities were few and far between, so I was happy to have the work.  I’m sorry to say that it was not a very rewarding experience.  The scripts were hackneyed, the venues and scenarios conducive only to loud, over-the-top performances, and the audiences were often quite drunk.  I’ve learned that this is par for the course in this kind of interactive theater, so I stayed well clear of murder mysteries since that time.  Well…never say never.  I recently responded to an audition notice for “American Immersion Theater,” a nation-wide entertainment company that was expanding its Philadelphia roster.  There was something about that notice that made me feel that this was several cuts above the group I’d worked with in that far-away city long ago, and the audition would be a chance to use my improv chops, so I decided to check it out.  I’m so glad I did.  I was invited to join and have thoroughly enjoyed working with some very talented and committed actors.  Yes, there are still groan-worthy puns built into the names of the characters, and I will probably encounter inebriated guests at some of our performances.  I’ve made my peace with all that.  I understand that this is not Shakespeare, Checkhov, or even Neil Simon; our purpose is to entertain and to make sure everyone has a good time.  What is different here is the deep talent pool I’m swimming in and the very professional structure of the organization.  Also, there is much more improvisation used in setting up and solving the “murder,” as opposed to a painfully creaky script, and that suits me just fine.

When I was doing murder mysteries in that other city, a more “serious” director on another project chastised me for heaping scorn on that work.  He reminded me that all jobs are chances to practice my craft.  With that in mind, I look forward to exercising my improv muscles with this lively group.  I know they will keep me on my toes.  I’ll be sure to post any upcoming performances on my Events page.  I hope to see some of you at upcoming performances.  Just don’t blow my cover.